Student Concerns and Grievances

Formal grievances must be filed no later than 30 days after the time the student learns of the basis of the complaint or grievance. All efforts will be made to protect the safety of students and maintain objectivity.

For Academic Grade Grievances, students should consult the University Grade Grievance Procedure.

Complete the Student Grievance and Procedure Form to being the grievance process for non-grade related academic program concerns. In order to move forward in the grievance process, students must complete this form.

When making a formal grade grievance please note that "no changes will be made to an academic record beyond 30 days of the student's conferment/graduation date." Please see the University Grading Standards outlined in the Academic Policies and Procedures

For Sexual Harassment complaint procedures involving students, refer to the University procedures and process for filing a complaint.

For all Academic Program Concerns (non-grade related), students should attempt to first resolve issues with the individual faculty member, followed by the department chair or program director. Processes for dismissal from a course and/or program are clearly articulated and available on the web for students, faculty, staff and administrators to review. Such processes include a means for students to address and improve upon noted areas of concern. The details of the resolution process are outlined for your review below.

In order to move forward in the grievance process, students must complete this form.

Grounds for non-academic grievances include, but are not limited to, the following:

Any grievance or complaint alleging any policy, procedure, or practice that would disrupt completion of a course, academic program, or graduation.

Any grievance or complaint regarding the university administration or administrative procedures, policies, or actions except the following:

Awarding of a grade or evaluating of performance on an examination

Academic misconduct

Appeals relating to academic program requirements

Grievances against individuals

Resolution Process for Academic Concerns (non-grade related)

Phase 1: Students who wish to grieve an academic concern other than a grade should informally attempt to resolve the matter with the faculty member or program director as an initial step whenever possible. Attempts to resolve the matter should occur as soon as possible after the alleged incident. In the event that the student is unable to reach the faculty member or program director within a two-week period, the student should notify the departmental secretary or administrative assistant to facilitate a meeting.

Phase 2: If the student and faculty member/program director are unable to reach an informal resolution, the student should arrange to meet with the department chair or the immediate supervisor of the program director to discuss the academic concern. When requesting the meeting, the student must state in writing the reasons why s/he feels the suggested resolution was unfair or inequitable, noting evidence to support her/his argument. The chair or supervisor will review the concern and make every effort to resolve the matter, and will work with the Assistant Dean of the College when decisions that may impact the student’s expected timeline for program completion are being considered. If a student has a concern related to the teacher education program, the Executive Director of the Center of Pedagogy will perform the functions of the Assistant Dean.

Phase 3: If the student is dissatisfied with the outcome of the department chair/supervisor’s decision, the student should arrange to meet with the Assistant Dean of the College. When requesting the meeting, the student must state in writing the reasons why s/he feels the decision was unfair or inequitable, noting evidence to support her/his argument. If a student has a concern related to the teacher education program, the Executive Director of the Center of Pedagogy will perform the functions of the Assistant Dean listed below. A written report of the circumstances and department chair’s/supervisor’s decision will be submitted by the department chair/supervisor to the Assistant Dean. The Assistant Dean will meet with the parties involved, review any supporting documentation, and make every effort to resolve the problem informally. The Assistant Dean will prepare a written statement, consult or refer the issue to the Office of the Dean of Students, if necessary, detail the findings, and provide copies to all parties involved.

Phase 4: If the student is dissatisfied with the decision of the Assistant Dean, the student can request that the matter be referred to the Dean of the College. The Dean will conduct a review of the process, meet with appropriate parties, and prepare a written statement, detailing the findings, and providing copies to all parties involved.

Phase 5: Should the matter remain unresolved, the Dean will notify the Provost’s Office of the academic concern (non-grade related) and forward all materials for review. The Provost's office will make a final determination and inform the Dean and the student.